what to do when...

[kipandbob]

Hi, all,

I'm wondering how you folks handle "life's little challenges" when you're on the road. Things like you develop a toothache, you lose/break your glasses, you get sick, your Montana or truck needs a "doctor," Fido needs a vet, etc.

Thanks again for the great responses,

-Bob

[HamRad]

Bob,
We generally ask at whatever park we are at. Or if the wife is doing Curves she will ask the locals there. And of course here on the MOC. Often someone lives in or near the area you are in. Most often they come forward and are happy to share.

Good luck and Happy Travels,
Dennis

[ols1932]

Generally, you can ask the campground managers and they usually have a handle on who to go to for the various promblems we may encounter. For glasses and that sort of thing, we don't hesitate to go to those people who advertise in the campground's site map (if that map is prepared by some of the well-known site map publishers.

For doctors, we aren't fussy if we need immediate help. We go to the ER in the local hospital where we might be located. Across the country, when we've needed any kind of help, we've established enough rapport in certain areas that we know where to go.

I will make one caveat however and that is be careful where you take your tow vehicle. We've been "taken" by AAMCO Transmission shops and by Olson's Transmission Repair in Blythe, CA. We now take our tow vehicle only to the local Ford dealer. I know, I know, there are bad Ford dealers also, but at least we have a valid guarantee.

I think as you travel, you'll develop your own way of where to go when you need help.

Orv

[Bill-N-Donna]

quote:Originally posted by kipandbob

Hi, all,

I'm wondering how you folks handle "life's little challenges" when you're on the road. Things like you develop a toothache, you lose/break your glasses, you get sick, your Montana or truck needs a "doctor," Fido needs a vet, etc.

Thanks again for the great responses,

-Bob

We pretty much try and take things as they come. Here is one challenge I remember and how we dealt with it. There are many more but this one came to mind. When our kids were living at home and still camping with us, we were on vacation in the Ozark Mountains of Eureka Springs, AR. One evening while sitting at the picnic table out of nowhere came this horrific flying insect which decided to take residence in my right ear canal. I noticed it very quickly and immediately started a series of in-voluntary movements that you could only imagine in order to try and remove this newly found friend and get some relief from the torturous sound of those creeping crawling tiny legs and occasional fluttering wings which produced highly intensified itching deep inside my ear. It didn’t matter what I tried to do, the more I tried to help the situation it seemed like he tried even harder to help him self out. He didn’t act like he enjoyed it any better than what I did. I could tell by the fluttering of his wings deep inside my ear cavity as he approached a dead end that he was in fact an un-happy camper. He must have been trying to make a u-turn to get out of there by the continuation of the many buzzing attempts he kept making. Needless to say all of my efforts and movements that were made didn’t seem to help at all. He probably was wishing by now that he hadn’t made such a bad decision. While he continued trying to find a place to turn around inside my ear, thoughts of going to the ER or whatever kind of relief that could be found would have been very welcome at the time. Finally after what seemed like an eternity it some how came to a soothing end. I don’t remember exactly how we got rid of the little creepy crawling critter but I know my wife was a great help at that time and with her assistance it was finally over. Anyway, I may never know what the attraction was and why he chose my ear canal to practice his line dancing but it was one of those little challenges that sometimes pop up at us and I doubt I will ever forget it. Life’s little surprises such as they are later on can make for a great fire side chat.

[exav8tr]

I agree with Dennis and Orv. Talk with campground management about repairs to trailer. I go to GM dealers for my oil changes and service for my truck. We use the internet alot also to find Tricare Docs and Delta Dental dentists (insurance things). Local hospital when wife falls off bike and needs stitches or slices her hand open and needs repair. Lowes, Home Depot and Ace Hardware for pieces and parts for things. Walmart for food and clothes. Petco or Pet Smart for animal things, local Vets for animals. It's not as hard as one might think. Walmart Vision centers do glasses. (Carry current prescription with you, usually must be within one year old).

Remember this: The internet can be your friend but advice at campground can be priceless......

[Bill-N-Donna]

In all seriousness though, I agree with the others. We had a break down last summer and upon arriving in the campground which was close by the attendant quickly came to our aid as to where I needed to take the truck for repairs. Very helpful and most campground owners or workers will readily help someone when needed.

[stiles watson]

So far we have been able to get "life's challenges" handled more or less normally. In the SKP park where we are staying, the campground management guided me toward a mobile repair service who had done responsible work for others in the park. He accepted our extended warranty policy.

When a dentist was needed, we asked some folks in the church we were attending who they would recommend. We found an urgent care facility (doc in a box) with a good care giver, No appointment needed. He has made good referrals to specialist in the area.

For glasses, We each carry a copy of our last prescription with us in case we have to get a pair in an emergency. We set up routine appointments with our regular doctor when we know we will be back in our "home base" territory.

Walmart, Costco, Walgreens, etc. and mail order handle all the prescriptions.

We ask about the reliability and reputation of the auto dealership. Truck service is managed there if we get a good report.